Unai Emery believes Aston Villa took an important step forward after opening their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Club Brugge.
Villa arrived in Belgium still searching for their first victory of the season, but goals from John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson ensured they left with three points.
Emery was particularly pleased with the resilience shown by his new-look squad as Villa survived a difficult second half to end their winless start.
Emery sees another step forward from Villa
McGinn gave Villa the perfect start before Jan Virgili brought Brugge level. Buendia quickly restored the visitors’ advantage before Jackson scored his first Aston Villa goal to make it 3-1 before half-time.
Nicolo Tresoldi converted a second-half penalty to put Villa under pressure, but Emery’s side held on.
“Today was another step forward,” Emery said. “We must work hard – it is the only way.”
The Villa manager believes performances have gradually improved following their matches against Brighton and Hull City, with the victory in Brugge providing further evidence of progress.
“The older players need to guide to keep our standard high, to show everybody that this is the only way to achieve our targets,” he added.
Emery was also pleased with the impact of his substitutes after Brugge began controlling more of the second half.
“We did a very complete match, competing in 90 minutes. It is very important to start this Champions League campaign with three points.”
Jackson goal could prove important
Another major positive was Jackson opening his Aston Villa account.
Emery has been demanding greater attacking intensity from his players in training and felt Villa showed more willingness to attack space than they did against Hull.
“We lacked runs in behind against Hull, but today we did it more,” Emery explained.
“John McGinn’s was a very important goal and Nicolas Jackson’s first goal is important for him.”
There was also valuable game time for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, although Emery revealed the defender was exhausted after around 60 minutes following a lengthy period without playing.
George Hemmings completed the match and also earned praise from his manager as Villa continue integrating their summer additions.
Key Points
- Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-2 to secure their first victory of the season and begin their Champions League campaign with three points.
- Unai Emery believes Villa reached higher standards and showed important resilience during a difficult second half.
- Nicolas Jackson scored his first Aston Villa goal, while John McGinn and Emi Buendia were also on target.
- Emery wants Villa’s experienced players to maintain demanding standards as more new signings are integrated into the team.
What’s Next?
Villa can now build on their first victory after a difficult opening to the campaign.
Emery believes the process of integrating his new-look squad is still developing, with players such as Wan-Bissaka gaining fitness and others gradually adapting to his demands.
The Champions League now takes a temporary back seat, but Villa have given themselves an important platform by taking all three points in Brugge.
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